The Hall of Living Lights fell into uneasy silence.
Every lantern flickered in rhythm with the weakening First Flame.
The former Lantern Bearer rested her hand on the crystal pedestal.
"I have delayed this moment for centuries," she said quietly. "But delay is not the same as salvation."
Captain Elian stepped closer.
"If the First Flame is only a reflection... where does its light come from?"
She lifted her gaze toward the unseen sky beyond the library.
"From the Dawn Star."
---
Master Caelan retrieved an ancient star chart hidden beneath the chamber floor.
Unlike ordinary maps, this one constantly shifted, as if the stars themselves were still deciding where to appear.
One point on the map refused to move.
A single golden star.
Every other constellation revolved around it.
"
